As the second largest city in England, Birmingham is largely known as an industrial town. In fact, thanks to the genius of James Watt, who patented the steam engine, the Industrial Revolution began here in the mid-eighteenth century. But the city is more diverse than some realize. With a number of fine museums, art galleries, and a division of the Royal Ballet, Birmingham is one of England's cultural centers, second only to London. And with the new National Exhibition Center, the town is now a big draw for convention goers. Tourists should visit the Jewellery Quarter, which produces a third of England's jewellery; as well as the famous Cadbury World, which began making chocolate in 1824. Also check out the historic Bull Ring market; and Victoria Square, home to one of the largest fountains in Europe.

INTERESTING FACTS

1. The Brummies of Brum? The accent of the people of Birmingham is considered to be the least attractive of all the English accents. Locally, the city is known as Brum, the people are called Brummies and the language is called Brummie.
2. Go to Birmingham and leave the driving to them! The ring roads and the roundabouts of the city make Birmingham a confusing city to navigate. Enjoy your stay – tour the city on foot!
3. Diamonds are a girl's best friend! Birmingham is a major jewelry manufacturing center. The Jewellery Quarter is chock full of manufacturers and showrooms. Discovery Center demonstrates the skills of the jewelers and their contributions to Birmingham's reputation as the "workshop of the world."
4. Birmingham's restaurant scene runs the gamut from McDonalds to Balti houses. Balti, a version of Indian food, can be found all over England. However, Birmingham is considered to be the "capital of Balti."
5. Okay, chocolate lovers, you're in for some egg-citement! A trip to Cadbury World provides some insight into the story of the famous crème egg. Also, be sure to tour the packaging plant where approximately 800 bars are wrapped each minute!
6. Brindleyplace, a waterfront expansion of cafes and bars, was built during the 1990's. This award winning development, named for the 18th century industrialist James Brindley, is the most vibrant and pretty part of the city.
7. The city was one of the great centers of the Industrial Revolution and home to many significant inventors. James Watt, the inventor of the steam engine, and Matthew Boulton, the inventor of the gas lighting, both called Birmingham home.
8. Birmingham lies at the hub of England's canal work. The city is very proud of its canals, as its mileage is greater than that of Venice!
9. Under the Sea! The National Sea Life Center, located in Brindleyplace, is home to the world's first completely transparent underwater walkway. The aquarium hosts feeding demonstrations and opportunities to get up close and personal with several species of fish and crustaceans.
10. Despite the fact that Birmingham is Britain's second largest city, it is not a major tourist attraction. The city is, however, a major industrial and transportation center with manufacturers of such products as automobiles, motorcycles, and machine tools.
 

CLAIMS TO FAME

The Workshop of the World
A combination of entrepreneurial daring and engineering know-how made Birmingham the manufacturing engine of Britain through the 19th century and most of the 20th. James Watt first commercially manufactured his steam engine here; the transatlantic cable and the Orient Express were Birmingham built, and this was the heartland of the British motor industry.

Chocoholic Heaven
Not only did George Cadbury make chocolates here, his Bourneville Estate was an early planned community, offering good housing and attention to the social welfare of his workforce.

POPULATION FACTS

Birmingham has a population of more than 1 million, making it Britain's second largest city.

Location:
Birmingham is in the West Midlands, about 121 miles northwest of London. It is well linked to the UK's motorway system and is one of the main rail gateways to Wales.

Climate:
Birmingham's climate is moderate, never gets very hot but rarely falls below freezing. In July (summer) the mean temperature is 61°, though it can rise to the low 70s. January and February are the coldest months with the temperature hovering just above freezing. Snow is rare. August and December are the wettest months, averaging about 2.5 inches of rain. This being England, visitors should be prepared for the occasional shower at any time.

Nearest airports:

• Birmingham International Airport is the busiest airport for business travel outside of London. It is linked to most European cities and has regular flights to some North American airports in the USA and Canada. There is a free rail link to Birmingham International Rail Station.
• Manchester Airport is considerably closer than the London airports for a good selection of transatlantic and long haul flights

HOW TO BOOK FOR IPEX 2010

For all booking information, please contact Sonia Newell or Marty Knespal at:

Eastern Suburbs Travel
Suite 501A, Level 5, 332 Oxford St
Bondi Junction NSW 2022

Phone: (02) 9388 0666
Fax: (02) 9388 0555.
Toll Free: 1800 634 714
E-mail:estclovelly@optusnet.com.au